Skip to main content
Ch.21 - Organic Chemistry
Chapter 21, Problem 55d

Draw the correct structure for each compound. d. 5-ethyl-3,6-dimethyl-2-heptene

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the parent chain: The name '2-heptene' indicates a 7-carbon chain with a double bond starting at the second carbon.
Number the carbon atoms in the parent chain from 1 to 7, starting from the end nearest the double bond to give the lowest possible number to the double bond.
Locate the double bond: Place a double bond between carbon 2 and carbon 3.
Add substituents: Place an ethyl group (C2H5) on carbon 5 and methyl groups (CH3) on carbons 3 and 6.
Draw the complete structure, ensuring all carbon atoms have four bonds, and include hydrogen atoms to satisfy the valency of carbon.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
1m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature is a systematic method for naming chemical compounds. It provides rules for identifying the structure of organic molecules based on their functional groups, carbon chain length, and substituents. Understanding these rules is essential for interpreting the name '5-ethyl-3,6-dimethyl-2-heptene' and accurately drawing its structure.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:39
Rules for Naming Alkanes

Alkenes and Double Bonds

Alkenes are hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond. The presence of a double bond affects the geometry and reactivity of the molecule. In the case of '2-heptene', the '2' indicates the position of the double bond, which is crucial for drawing the correct structure and understanding its properties.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:47
Rules for Naming Alkenes

Substituents and Their Position

Substituents are atoms or groups of atoms that replace hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon chain. In '5-ethyl-3,6-dimethyl-2-heptene', the 'ethyl' and 'methyl' groups are substituents that must be placed at specific positions on the heptene backbone. Correctly identifying and placing these substituents is vital for accurately representing the compound's structure.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:33
Lone Pair Positions